Oral Pathology

When it comes to oral pathology, it's important to stay on top of your dental health. Oral pathology involves identifying and managing changes inside the mouth or around the face that could signal a pathological process. This includes common conditions like cysts, ulcers, infections, and congenital diseases, with the most severe being oral cancer.

At Raleigh Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our team of experienced oral surgeons, Dr. Hoverstad, Dr. Camp, Dr. Milewski, and Dr. Marrazzo, are here to help you with any signs of oral cancer or disease. From detecting oral cancer to treating various oral diseases, our team is committed to providing exceptional care and clinical outcomes. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our oral surgeons.

Signs of Oral Cancer and Disease

There may not always be symptoms of pain or discomfort, making regular dental appointments and at-home examinations essential. It's recommended to perform a monthly oral exam to check for any changes or abnormalities. Start by standing in front of a mirror and opening your mouth wide. Look for any visible patches of discoloration, sores that do not heal, or thickening of the mouth lining. Pay attention to any difficulty with chewing or swallowing. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, as they can indicate a benign or cancerous pathology.

Signs of a pathological process include:

• Visible patches of discoloration in the mouth
• Sores that do not heal within two weeks
• Thickening or lumps in the mouth linings
• Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
• Numbness or pain in the mouth or lips
• Loose teeth or a change in bite
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons. We offer oral cancer screenings and will discuss treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Oral Pathology Treatment

Treatment options for oral pathology can vary depending on the nature of the condition. When you come to our office, one of our oral surgeons will perform a complete oral examination to look for signs of oral disease. 3D images may be taken at this time.

In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the next steps for treatment. Before the biopsy, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed. This ensures that you will not feel any pain during the procedure.

Once the area is numb, your oral surgeon will carefully remove a small sample of tissue from the affected area. This tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for further analysis and diagnosis. The pathologist will provide a diagnosis based on their findings.

Once the pathology report is complete, your oral surgeon will discuss the results with you. Benign growths or infections can often be treated with oral medications, creams, or removal procedures. Common viral and fungal infections, such as herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and candidiasis (thrush), can be effectively managed with the right treatment.

More severe cases, such as oral cancer, may require more extensive treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgeries, all of which will be discussed with you in detail.

Preventing Oral Cancer

While there is no proven way to prevent oral cancer, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk.

• Avoiding tobacco products
• Moderate alcohol consumption
• Protecting your lips from sun exposure
• Regular dental checkups